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5 basic steps daily to look 5 years younger

Our skin’s primary purpose is to protect us. When we don’t take care of our skin, it can’t do its job properly - and it looks faded and dull. To look years younger, you must take care of your skin each and every day. However, this does not mean spending hours each morning in front of the mirror, or purchasing a closet full of expensive gadgets and products all promising to make you look 18 again.

By doing 5 basic steps each and every day, your skin will begin to recover its luster and even its youthful glow. Let’s see what these 5 steps are.

1. Cleanse properly.

Your face needs to be cleansed both in the morning and again in the evening. Your cleanser should be matched to your skin type; a gel is often preferred for oily skin; a cream is better for dry skin types. Your cleanser does not have to foam to be effective, although if a sudsy face makes you happy, go ahead and get a cleanser that foams. When you apply your cleanser, be sure to follow the directions, using a light touch, and washing gently for at least 30 seconds. Then rinse well with clean water and pat dry. If you wear
make-up or heavy sunscreen, be sure to wash and rinse twice; once to remove the make-up and the second time to get down to business and cleanse your skin.

2. You need a good toner.

In order to fight those damaging “free radicals” we’ve been hearing so much about, you’ll need a good toner. Your toner should create an antioxidant shield, balancing the skin’s protective barrier. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which holds 1,000 times its weight in water, giving your skin a real hydration boost. Other ingredients to look for are vitamin C and white tea, both restorative and calming. Be sure your toner is ph-balanced, especially if your cleanser is not.

3. Exfoliate regularly.

A gentle, non-abrasive exfoliation is necessary to clear dead skin cells from your skin’s surface. Exfoliating helps the skin renewal process and reveals a brighter, clearer complexion. Exfoliating also allows moisturizers to penetrate deeper into your skin. Exfoliation is good, but more is not always better. Be careful not to over-exfoliate or scrub your skin harshly. If you have oily skin, over-exfoliating will cause the oil glands to over-produce oil to compensate for the oil that you have stripped away.
Obviously this can cause more clogging and more shine on an already oily face. So, exfoliate often, but gently, and your skin will love you for it.

4. Keep that moisturizer coming.

Hydrate and feed your skin with a good moisturizer. Choose a quality moisturizer that offers protection from the elements for your skin , plus offers your skin a good dose of nutrition along with moisture. Look for vitamins A, C, and E, yeast, and other ingredients that would “feed” your face just like you feed your body. Even if your skin is oily, you still need a good moisturizer to give your face a
healthy dose of nutrition.

5. Sunscreen is for every day.

The daily use of a good sunscreen is your number one defense against aging skin. About 99% of all the signs of aging can be directly linked to sun damage. With a little bit of prevention, you skin can look younger longer. Even simple day-to-day living exposes you face to the sun, even walking to your car and, yes, driving in your car. The windshield is not a sunblock! Check your morning moisturizer to be sure it contains a sunscreen of 15 SPF. If it does not, be sure to add a good sunscreen on top of your moisturizer
before you leave the house. If your plans have you outside for a longer time than normal, be sure to apply one of the FDA-approved sunscreens. Look for titanium dioxide or zinc oxide on the label.

What else can you do to look and feel years younger?

Now, just add a bit of regular exercise, healthy food, and plenty of water to your diet, and you’re well on your way to a glowing complexion. Follow this daily skincare routine and treat your skin to monthly professional analysis and treatments with your Skin Care Specialist and that person smiling back at you in the mirror will look younger and happier.

By Charlotte Field.

Charlotte Field is a Skin Care Specialist offering
(http://www.facialsbycharlotte.com) Facials in Pensacola,
Florida. She specializes in Anti-aging, Relaxation and
Results. Call her today to schedule an appointment at
(http://www.facialsbycharlotte.com/services.html)